Naismith has Irishmen all around him at Goodison Park. With Seamus Coleman and Darron Gibson accompanied by McGeady since the turn of the year, the lone Scotsman is expecting the rivalry to intensify during the eight-week run-in to the clash of the Celtic cousins at Parkhead.

The 27-year-old explained: “There’s only been a slight bit of banter between us so far. But I’m sure it will crank up now that the first qualifiers are over and we’re moving closer to playing Ireland in November. That will be an interesting game.”

A high degree of interest in that fixture rests on the hostile reception Scottish fans are likely to give James McCarthy and McGeady.

Both Glaswegians chose Ireland over their homeland to represent during their teens.

Naismith said: “Although Celtic is where Aiden came through the ranks and played at the start of his career, the fans probably won’t be as cheery towards him now. However, he’ll be well able to cope with any stick because he’s much more experienced now.”